Theme of Violence in Wuthering Heights

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Introduction

IOP My topic is the theme of violence in Wuthering Heights and what is its significance. It is an essential theme in the novel and it is vital to the characters personalities that they use violence to express their emotions. Wuthering heights is a story of two different houses Wuthering heights and Thrushcross Grange and its inhabitants. Both these houses are situated on the desolate and harsh moors of Yorkshire. Wuthering heights from the name itself it depicts a very strong, wild and a very passionate house, suggesting a cold unfriendly atmosphere. The Earnshaw family including Heathcliff lives in Wuthering Heights. The Earnshaw family including Heathcliff is depicted as a very stormy and also a very violent family as seen from the first chapter. From the way Heathcliff, Joseph and also Cathy received their new guest, Mr. Lockwood we can clearly see the rudeness in their character. The character of the inhabitants in WH is a contrast to those living in Thrushcross Grange. The people in Thrushcross Grange are in a way more civilized and calmer. ...read more.

Middle

Isabella even referred Heathcliff' nature as "devilish"(pg 172). Isabella is herself inclined towards Heathcliff's violence but not as capable of it. Heathcliff makes it his life's project to nurture Hareton in Brutality. In chapter 17 Heathcliff was locked out by Hindley and Hindley tried to kill him by stabbing him but when Isabella told him about Hindley's plan he immediately enter and started physically torturing Hindley by beating him up and badly injuring him. Thus physical torture again emphasizes the theme of violence. Heathcliff's violent character is shown even more chapter by chapter and he develops into a horrible person. In chapter 13 through Isabella's letter, she describes how Heathcliff has been treating her and how she has misjudged him and she regrets not hearing to her brother's advice in marrying a "devil" The theme of violence is not only shown in Heathcliff's character but also in other characters. We were also shown a violent side in Isabella's character. Isabella reacted violently as a result of being badly treated by heathcliff. She was often beaten and she was also not allowed to meet with Edgar or anyone else. She also lived like a slave. ...read more.

Conclusion

This shows the violent character in Hareton Earnshaw But overall Heathcliff is the most violent and fiery character in Wuthering Heights. He becomes violent from an early age and grows up to be bitter and angry probably because of the degrading way he was treated as he got older Violence play a strong role in Wuthering Heights and without it I don't think the novel would have much impact on those who read it. Although there is an extensive amount of violence in Wuthering Heights it is not portrayed as anything out of the ordinary. The story is written as though violence is acceptable. Violence is only mentioned as something unusual once in the whole novel by Nelly Dean in one chapter in which she comments on the diabolical violence...Wuthering Heights is a story of love and hate, good and evil. It focuses on the theme of evil and violence. Emily Bronte continues to shock the reader with scenes of violence and malevolence throughout the novel; however we sometimes expect that perhaps Heathcliff's character could contain a much softer side and that it is his frustrated love for Cathy that brings out the ferocity in him. ...read more.

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She was at first very lost and did not know where to go for help. She needed to consult with her father who she totally trusted, but he could not help her much being sick and helpless, while Heathcliff was pressuring her.

Perhaps she is of the same opinion, and her dream foretold their sad end. The incident that happens next shows both madness and supernatural and also happens in chapter 9. Heathcliff secretly leaves Wuthering Heights when he overhears Catherine say that it would degrade her to marry him.

An example of this is when he marries Isabella out of spite, and treats her in a very violent way: although this gives an insight into how Heathcliff's nature affects character interaction, it also shows how his nurture affects Heathcliff's relationships.

Even to defend his own life, he doesn't hit his wife, and he is not predisposed to hit women, "Cheer up Dick! ...I'd almost as soon strike a woman as you." Violence isn't in his nature, not even towards the man who has ruined his chance of happiness.

Heathcliff's language varies in to two types. Heathcliff uses rough and violent language that conveys his energetic and passionate style. His phrases are blunt and to the point, he does not care for any of Lockwood's arrogance: 'May she wake in torment!' and 'Don't snivel before me, Damn you all!'

Heathcliff kicked his to the same place." Bronte utilises this to depict the implications of society on knowledge and learning. In a similar way to the poems of Blake, Bronte expresses an indignation about corruption of the young and also of her own suppression. The characters could be split into those who represent Bronte and her own

He shows no signs of guilt from what he is doing. Heathcliff has turned into a brute and a fiend to get revenge. The last chapter, Chapter fourteen shows that Heathcliff is now harming is wife Isabella. His actions are brutal and sadistic in his treatment to her, yet he still feels a genuine love for Catherine.

The male had the dominant role in society which is proven when Earnshaw remains steadfast in his decision that Heathcliff remain. The rest of the family have no say despite his wife being appalled. Lord C is similar in his refusal to accept his daughter?s wishes when planning her wedding or consult his wife.